11/23/2023 0 Comments Algal bloom red tide algae![]() Drugs for these types of brain diseases are in development, even in clinical trials. Metcalf said one of the big questions remaining is how much of the toxin you would have to be exposed to for a long-term health effect. While there are some unknowns left to solve, “When the system, the ecological system is out of balance, you get harmful algae blooms and we need to do a better job of limiting those harmful algae blooms by studying them,” said Eric Milbrandt, Ph.D., marine lab director with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. They do bioaccumulate in the food chain and that’s really an important aspect,” Cassani said. Though both blue-green algae and red tide occur naturally, they pose distinct threats and, therefore, require different interventions. “Maybe the outcome of this is we should err on the side of caution because we know these are toxins. Unfortunately, as we confront blue-green algal bloom, our state is faced with a second water crisis: red tide. Those neurotoxins, like BMAA, can be linked to diseases like ALS and Alzheimer’s. “Well, the microcystin is mostly implicating a liver disease or a liver cancer, whereas the neurotoxins from red tide and the other type of algae, lyngbya, are considered neurotoxins,” said John Cassani, Calusa Waterkeeper. The data show it’s possible for multiple blooms like red tide and blue-green algae to coincide, as well as the potential risks for human and animal health.Įnvironmental groups in Southwest Florida helped with that research. “The samples we collected in 2018 were analyzed and, yeah, it’s just unfortunate the way science works, you end up with a backlog of data,” Metcalf said. Algae blooms that cause pink snow could accelerate melting as Earth warms. It’s all hands on deck to tackle Southwest Florida’s water crisis, and that includes James Metcalf, Ph.D., with Brain Chemistry Labs in Wyoming. New research provides some of the best information yet about how these harmful algal blooms could impact our health. Two years later, we’re getting more answers as to the risks connected to those blooms. The goal is to give communities advance warnings so they can adequately plan for and deal with the adverse environmental and health effects associated with these 'red-tide' events.The sights and smells of the 2018 red tide and blue-green algae are hard to forget. Scientists at the National Ocean Service have been monitoring and studying this phenomenon for a number of years to determine how to detect and forecast the location of the blooms. For example, when masses of algae die and decompose, the decaying process can deplete oxygen in the water, causing the water to become so low in oxygen that animals either leave the area or die. HABs also include blooms of non-toxic species that have harmful effects on marine ecosystems. ![]() In fact, they are the major source of energy that fuels the ocean food web.Ī small percentage of algae, however, produce powerful toxins that can kill fish, shellfish, mammals, and birds, and may directly or indirectly cause illness in people. Most blooms, in fact, are beneficial because the tiny plants are food for animals in the ocean. HABs are a national concern because they affect not only the health of people and marine ecosystems, but also the 'health' of local and regional economies.īut not all algal blooms are harmful. coastal state, and their occurrence may be on the rise. As the name suggests, the bloom of algae often turns the water red. The toxins may also make the surrounding air difficult to breathe. ![]() This bloom, like many HABs, is caused by microscopic algae that produce toxins that kill fish and make shellfish dangerous to eat. One of the best known HABs in the nation occurs nearly every summer along Florida’s Gulf Coast. ![]() While many people call these blooms 'red tides,' scientists prefer the term harmful algal bloom. The human illnesses caused by HABs, though rare, can be debilitating or even fatal. Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, occur when colonies of algae-plant-like organisms that live in the sea and freshwater-grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds. Red tide is a phenomenon caused by algal blooms (Wikipedia definition) during which algae become so numerous that they discolor coastal waters (hence the. VIDEO: Learn about "red tides" and human health in this video from the U.S. ![]()
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